A recent press conference sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) featured iMovie Mentors (iM2), a unique youth program sponsored by the City of Alexandria. As part of the presentation, Tavaun Green, 14, described his experiences in iM2, a program funded by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Green’s testimony was part of an effort sponsored by Senator Harkin in support of restoring funding cut from the Byrne grant program, which provides support for a broad range of crime-fighting activities, including crime prevention and education. Harkin, who lives in Alexandria, invited Tavaun and Lillian Brooks, director of the City’s Court Services Unit, to participate in the press conference and to testify on behalf of the program on January 29 and 30.

The iM2 program is an evidence-based after school program for at-risk, minority, and immigrant boys in the sixth and seventh grades. Boys and adult male mentors meet weekly to learn filmmaking skills using Apple technology, and work together to make a short film. The films will make their debut on Tuesday, April 1, at the Old Town Theater (815½ King St.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

At the press conference, Tavaun spoke about his mentor, about how the program has changed his outlook, and how his grades have improved. He aspires to become a firefighter—a goal that was inspired by visits to the Alexandria Fire Department with his mentor, and the subject of his short film.

For more information, please contact Lillian Brooks at 703.838.4144. For more information about the iM2 program, visit www.alexandriava.gov/iM2.

Tavaun Green describes his experiences in the iM2 program as Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) looks on.